ISTANBUL—Free movement and travel between countries and regions is an important element in the future success of the global hotel industry, panelists said during last week’s International Society of Hospitality Consultants’ annual conference at the Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul.
“It will have a negative effect if countries go back to restricting travel,” Gerald Lawless, executive chairman of Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, said.
The importance of having a welcoming visa policy was evident in Dubai after the United Arab Emirates loosened its visa restrictions 12 years ago, he said. “Dubai changed overnight.” The dramatic change in Dubai should be a lesson to all governments, including lawmakers in the United States, said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of Marriott International Lodging. He said there were more Chinese visitors in Paris last year than in the United States—a trend that must change if the U.S. hopes to increase international arrivals.
